Denver Broncos mascot Miles is usually a top draw anywhere he goes. After all, he does represent Broncos Country and all the hysteria that comes with it. However, he was just part of the crowd recently as a special guest during a playground design event for Park Lane Elementary School.
Miles and a few Broncos cheerleaders joined students and families for a hands-on workshop, where they were invited to give input on design elements of the playground. Thanks to our nonprofit partner KABOOM! and the Broncos, who are sponsoring the project, Park Lane students will soon have an updated playground to enjoy.
“I think it’s a good idea to reach out to us to get our two cents on it,” said Michael Gottschalk, whose child is a second grader at Park Lane. “And it gives us a sense of community as well.”
Following a brief introduction by KABOOM! representatives, students and families reviewed the renovation ideas that other schools have used and were allowed to draw their own ideas on paper. Certain aspects of students’ concepts will be considered for the final product.
“It's also nice to see them revamp older play structures and make it more modern,” said Ryan Prue, who has a first grader at Park Lane. “It builds some excitement for the kids, and my daughter is super excited. If something they want makes it into the design, they’re going to take ownership of it, too.”
Currently, playground construction is set for May 7-9, which will include two days of setup followed by installation. Typically, the buildout takes about six hours, so the project should not be too disruptive to students and staff during those last days of school leading up to summer break.
Students like fifth grader Julius Evans are hopeful the playground will have a pool included. Even if that doesn’t come to fruition, he was just happy to be included in the process.
“I didn’t know I would be here for this, so I felt really happy to be chosen,” Evans said. “I’m tired of this old playground because I’ve been here almost six years. I’m really excited to get a new one.”
Contributing to a playground design resonated with students and parents alike. Some adults even remembered they had a special assignment: listen to their kids. Prue said his daughter made her expectations clear.
“Make sure there’s some ziplines.”